Old Beiji Tunnel Introduction
To carry out the improvement project for the old Baiji Tunnel and its surrounding environment, construction will begin on April 21, 2025, at the northern entrance area of the old Baiji (pedestrian) tunnel (including the restroom and the path from the restroom to the Governor's Residence Trail), as well as the southern entrance area of the tunnel. For details, please refer to the link https://www.scenic.tycg.gov.tw/News_Content.aspx?n=9476&s=1558831. Are you ready to visit the Baiji Tunnel? First, make sure you clarify whether it's the new tunnel or the old tunnel! Highway 7 connects Cihu and Fuxing, where both tunnels currently coexist; the new Baiji Tunnel is used for two-way vehicle traffic, while the old tunnel has been transformed into a recreational walkway, silently witnessing the historical changes of Baiji over half a century. To understand the origins of the Baiji Tunnel, we must mention the strategic importance of the Baiji area; formerly known as Bajie, this area was a vital thoroughfare for travel between Daxi and Jiao Ban Mountain. In 1944, the Japanese built a tunnel here that served pedestrian, air defense, and evacuation purposes and also acted as a strategic point for Jiao Ban Mountain. The tunnel was interrupted due to landslides until it reopened eight years later, now known as the old Baiji Tunnel. It is approximately 343 meters long and 4.5 meters wide, with the southern entrance featuring an inscription by then Provincial Government Chairman Huang Jie reading "Baiji Tunnel, North Section Crossroad." However, as it did not meet road needs, a new two-way Baiji Tunnel was constructed. After its renovation, the old Baiji Tunnel differs from before; aside from being a reinforced concrete structure, it was also capable of accommodating vehicles, albeit limited to one-way traffic at the time, necessitating military personnel at the tunnel entrance for traffic control—a scene nostalgic for many. In 1993, the new Baiji Tunnel opened for two-way traffic, marking the official end of the transportation functions of the old tunnel. After two closures, the old Baiji Tunnel was converted into a scenic walkway in 2007. Inside, visitors can see the lightweight railway set up during the Japanese colonial period as well as carts (also known as "handcarts") that could carry both people and goods, allowing users to control their speed. Today, the scenes of porters sweating while transporting goods have disappeared, replaced by tourists taking photos on the carts, experiencing the ambiance of the past. The old tunnel connects to the Governor's Residence Trail, the Baiji Linyin Trail, and other ancient paths, making it a perfect stop for visitors.
